[yummy mummy]

I am thinking of installing wainscotting in my basement, consisting of a chair rail and picture frame moulding underneath.

I was wondering if there is a particular measurement that I would make the picture frame moulding? Or do I measure the wall and then try to fit in as evenly as I can whatever amount.

I don't know if I am explaining this correctly.

Thanks

 

[Bob Mariani]

In a basement the ceilings are low. Height of the wainscoting should only be 24".. Not much room for molding under this. max in a room is 36" but this is for a ceiling that is at least 10' in height. In any case you will want to make the frame look in proportion to the space and be evenly spaced all around.

 

[yummy mummy]

Thanks Bob.
Yes, my basement is low. I just wanted to add some interest. Also, because I have already painted one small room, (the basement is a very large area, and one small room 19 by 12 room) the colour seems to be somewhat darker than I thought it would be, so I wanted to lighten it up a little by doing white underneath. ( I have already purchased the paint )

But when I measure 26 inches for the floor, it really looks odd to put the chair rail there. Can I still put the chair rail there, because really if I put a chair against the wall it still will go to the 36 inches approx. regardless of what the ceiling height is?

Even though the formula for putting the chair rail is not what usually is used.

 

[Bob Mariani]

A chair rail and a chair have nothing in common and their is never been a relation to this in architectural history. You can put it anywhere you wish but it is better to be too low than too high. I only tried to explain how it is done. The purpose of molding is not protection from a chair but to give the room some scale and proportion. we use a proportional rule of 1:7 "An example.. my foot measures 11" and I am 77" tall. 1:7.. This scale feels right to us because we are built to that scale." From an article by Brent Hull.

 

[yummy mummy]

A chair rail and a chair have nothing in common and their is never been a relation to this in architectural history. You can put it anywhere you wish but it is better to be too low than too high. I only tried to explain how it is done. The purpose of molding is not protection from a chair but to give the room some scale and proportion. we use a proportional rule of 1:7 "An example.. my foot measures 11" and I am 77" tall. 1:7.. This scale feels right to us because we are built to that scale." From an article by Brent Hull.

I was under the impression that historically a chair rail was put on a wall to protect the wall from the chair hitting it and damaging the wall? This is what I had heard anyway.

I am still not certain whether I am going to do it, but if I do, I probably would do it at 32 to 33 inches, because visually it looks better to me than 26 inches.

 

[Bob Mariani]

No, it is a molding used to divide the space of the wall. Never had a relation to a chair. Go with the 32 at least. Have fun.

 

[jbfan]

This from my basement. It is 36" from the floor.
I have 8' ceilings.
Not the best picture, but you get the idea.:thumbsup:

 

[yummy mummy]

No, it is a molding used to divide the space of the wall. Never had a relation to a chair. Go with the 32 at least. Have fun.

Actually, Bob, after doing some research, the chair rail was in fact used to protect the wall from dents from chairs.

Today, it is mostly used for decorative purposes.

How is that for some useless information for you..........:laughing:

Thanks for your help.

 

[yummy mummy]

jbfan.......

Thanks for the picture. My ceiling in the basement is approx 7.5 feet.

And I think that anywhere between 32 and 35 inches looks good to me.

 

[Bob Mariani]

Actually, Bob, after doing some research, the chair rail was in fact used to protect the wall from dents from chairs.

Today, it is mostly used for decorative purposes.

How is that for some useless information for you..........:laughing:

Thanks for your help.

What is your source? If you look at old pictures you may find that many chair rails where 24" tall. Not many chairs that short. but you are on you way which is all that matters.

 

[yummy mummy]

Thanks Bob. Also, I want to try to do it just to see if I can do it, and make it look half decent.

I'm getting there.........